Chapter Thirty-One: Affairs of the Eastern Residence (Part 3)

Ping’er had just finished attending to Lady Feng when she heard an old woman outside the door announce that Yi was here, waiting at the entrance of the courtyard.

Ping’er went to give instructions, telling them to bring Shi Yi inside.

Wang Xifeng was suspicious. “What brings that boy here out of the blue?”

Ping’er shook her head, then picked up the silk towel warmed on the incense burner and gently dried Lady Feng’s rosy feet.

She replied, “Madam, perhaps Young Master Yi has important business with you!”

“What proper business could he possibly have?” Lady Feng snorted with a laugh.

Soon, the old woman announced again from outside, “Second Madam, Young Master Yi has arrived!”

Ping’er lifted the curtain with a smile to welcome him.

Shi Yi deliberately expressed his thanks and entered the inner room, where he saw Lady Feng in her everyday attire, reclining gracefully on the warm couch like a willow in the wind, her delicate feet tucked beneath an embroidered blanket.

Ping’er brought over a chair, and Shi Yi sat down.

A young maid entered to serve tea. Lady Feng, her brows arched and eyes smiling, parted her lips tinted with rouge and sipped delicately, casting Shi Yi a side glance. “Rascal, if you have something to say, out with it.”

Shi Yi smiled. “There’s no rush. At the very least, let me enjoy this cup of tea first. It’s not every day one gets to taste tea from Second Sister-in-law’s rooms.”

Lady Feng smiled radiantly. “You do know how to talk. If you want more tea, just have Ping’er pack a pot for you to take home—enough to last you a while!”

Shi Yi glanced at Ping’er and grinned. “Sister Ping’er, did you hear that? Second Sister-in-law has given her word, so I’ll trouble you to pack some yourself for me to try later.”

Ping’er replied with a laugh, “Young Master Yi, never mind tea—even if it’s anything from the household, would the Old Lady ever refuse you?”

Shi Yi chuckled, rubbing his nose—her words were not without truth.

Lady Feng gave him a meaningful look and smiled, “Rascal, enough of your roundabout tricks and sly words. What brings you here today? And what’s that painting in your hand?”

Sensing it was her cue, Ping’er quietly withdrew from the room.

Shi Yi considered for a moment, then spread out the rice paper in his hand and placed it on Lady Feng’s writing desk.

He proceeded to lay out his ideas and plans. As Wang Xifeng listened, she couldn’t help but grow interested.

Yet she was quick to notice the hefty initial investment required, and the necessity of cooperation with the court—which meant much of the profit would be lost.

The returns she could expect were not generous.

Ever shrewd, Lady Feng quickly began weighing the pros and cons as Shi Yi outlined the business venture.

Her willow brows knit together in thought.

Shi Yi waited patiently, unhurried.

After a long silence, Lady Feng took a sip of tea, then smiled faintly, “Rascal, your idea isn’t bad, but tell me—if these foreigners are wealthy enough to avoid taking carriages, why would they ride in your open-air rickshaws?”

Shi Yi replied, “Second Sister-in-law, you needn’t worry. These foreigners are far more open-minded than our people of Dashun. They are neither reserved nor bashful.

First, rickshaws are smaller and more convenient than carriages or sedan chairs—no bulk, no traffic jams, and they can navigate even the narrowest streets.

Second, rickshaws are inexpensive and simple to make. They will not only boost employment but also meet substantial market demand. The number of foreigners will only increase, and they are used to comfort—none of them like walking if they can ride. That’s an untapped market.

Once we control this market in Dashun, you need only sit by your heated couch collecting rent each month.”

Lady Feng grew more intrigued by his words. While she lacked a head for business, she was no fool.

Shi Yi had spoken vaguely about profit sharing, and even as she felt tempted, her calculations began.

She cast him a coquettish glance. “So, if you’re right, isn’t this a business with great potential?”

Shi Yi grinned. “Second Sister-in-law, the potential is tremendous. Even if the profits seem small, the entire Dashun is our market. A multitude of small gains add up to a great fortune if managed well.”

“Oh?” Lady Feng’s eyes sparkled. “Then tell me, exactly how much of the profit can I expect?”

Shi Yi scratched his head. “That depends on how much you invest. The more one puts in, the greater one’s share.

But let me remind you—our profits must be split with the court first.”

Lady Feng frowned. “Why must the court be involved? Why can’t we run this by ourselves?”

Shi Yi shook his head with a smile. “Second Sister-in-law, I wish it were so! But without the court’s support, others will quickly imitate our business, and we’ll lose our exclusive rights.

Better to share the meat than fight over the broth—minor gains at the cost of major loss is a grave mistake. Besides, the court is now in the midst of reforms, especially regarding merchants. You can’t do business without a license, nor set up stalls at will. The court is designating special areas for trading, and regulations will only become stricter. Business will get harder.

On the other hand, if we partner with the court early, we’ll have their backing for expansion. Or do you fancy limiting yourself to just a patch of land in the capital?”

Lady Feng paused, surprised, and looked at him with new respect. “You’re more ambitious than I thought—and a clever businessman, it seems!”

Shi Yi chuckled, and Lady Feng’s brows drew tight again. “We’ll need to grease some palms when dealing with officials. Be honest with me, rascal—how risky is this venture?”

Wang Xifeng was always bold and decisive; it was unexpected that her first concern was risk, not profit.

Shi Yi didn’t answer directly but teased, “That’s not like you, Second Sister-in-law! I’d have thought you’d worry about profit, not risk.”

She shot him a glare. “Don’t try to fool me with your tricks. Money doesn’t fall from the sky, and if you think a few words will lure me in, doing business would be too easy.”

Shi Yi coughed lightly and replied seriously, “The rickshaw business is a long-term plan. I’m certain that for the next fifty years, nothing else will replace it as a means of transport.

And you underestimate me, Second Sister-in-law. Once this rickshaw business is up and running, I’ll expand to bicycles and even invest in automobiles.

But that’s looking far ahead. For now, your worries are unnecessary. As long as we maintain good relations with the court, our rickshaw business will be secure.

In time, we can even create a franchise, authorizing other merchants to run their own businesses, while we simply wait for the money to flow in.”